Is there a #SteamDeck alternative? I seem to recall someone mentioning one to me like it was a less expensive no-brainer because it would also run some Windows software.
@punkscience_ns The main Steam Deck alternative out there is the ROG Ally. You can find used ones out there for pretty cheap right now, especially since they just announced a successor a few days ago, but generally speaking, not cheaper than a Steam Deck. It's essentially a Windows laptop in a different form factor. ASUS has its flaws (as does the Ally itself) but it's put a lot of support into the Ally, far better than the other competitors out there so far.
There's also the Lenovo Legion Go, the MSI Claw and a few other Chinese Windows machines, but all are either nowhere near as supported, nowhere near as cheap or just plain hard to get without signing up for an Indiegogo and waiting months.
As far as running some Windows software is concerned, most of these Windows based machines can be used as a full on desktop replacement when docked with keyboard and mouse if you wanted to do that (and I have done so for 6 months or so).
Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away.
The #SteamDeck's existence has prompted other big brands to also churn out their Deck competitors like #ASUS' #ROGAlly, #MSI's #MSIClaw, #Lenovo's #LegionGo, etc. which is great bcos competition is always nice.
... but unfortunately, to my eyes and only my own, there really isn't any competitor to my Deck and it's not bcos of #Linux/#SteamOS which yes, I do absolutely require out of a #gaming handheld (definitely not #Windows, no), but it's all about the design. Blows my mind how the Steam Deck is still the ONLY gaming handheld that doesn't scream (not as loud at least) "I'm a boy" or "I'm a gamer".
The obnoxious logos and branding (MSI's even has "TRUE GAMER" etched on their handheld lmao), the RGB vomit everywhere on the handheld wasting the already very precious battery life and weight of the device, the "rough" edges and curves (or lack thereof) of the device that screams "gamery"... and more. The design of the Steam Deck is still not only the most ergonomic imo, but most importantly the stealthiest of them all. I despise obnoxious designs and I appreciate #Valve's decision not to participate in that mess. I just wish and hope that future Decks would come in more colourways.
Just yesterday, I upgraded the SSD. This is the Inland SSD I picked up last Saturday since well, the North Jersey Micro Center has slightly less sales tax, so why not take advantage of it. Only a Gen 3 drive, but I don't think SSD speeds matter for gaming, right?
Opening it up wasn't bad. Take 6 screw off, pry up the back cover with some plastic iFixit Guitar Picks.
This is an unboxing of the Legion Go I got on December 23rd at a Micro Center. II have been eying this handheld for the fact it has USB 4 and a big screen. Since this thing is huge, I will only use it in bed, on a couch. My GPD Win 4 is used outside the home although I use it sometimes at home since it's smaller, although using an older Ryzen 7 6800U.
Only $594 Open Box, but in mint condition, that is a good price
I actually went to play it on my beast of a main PC and I could not get it to look decent (specifically the arse sharpening filter), so I ended up switching back to the #LegionGo anyway.
The #LegionGo’s next BIOS update was detailed yesterday and will be bringing the 6gb VRAM option, the ability to switch memory frequency, optimized charging, and more!
The Legion Go is your portable gaming device. #LegionGo#Steam#Epic#Ubisoft#Xbox I'll have a review in the works, but in the meantime, if you have questions, leave them in the comment below and I'll see what I can tell you! #ama
While the #LegionGo launch seems to be going smoothly for US and Europe, UK customers have been hit with what seems to be some delays and lack of communication.
The Lenovo #LegionGo is officially released and we have some thoughts! There’s some good, and some not so good, but all in all, we are optimistic! Here are our first impressions:
At first, I was happy to see a 50Wh battery (25% more than #SteamDeck) but that may be countered by its larger, higher resolution display, and a power-hungry processor.
All these #SteamDeck competitors are great! With the release of the #ROGAlly and now the upcoming #LegionGo, handheld gaming is taking off 🛫
I guess we can thank the success of the #NintendoSwitch for that 👏🏻
I’m going to stick with my Steam Deck because:
1️⃣ I already have it, don’t need another hand held gaming PC.
2️⃣ I like the console like exp the SD (Steam Deck) provides.
3️⃣ The SD customization is fantastic 👌🏻